Man who evaded police believed to be armed

Toki Ranier Takerei.

A man who evaded armed police during a raid on a Waikato property is believed to be armed and should not be approached, police say.

Police and armed offenders squad members used tear gas and distraction devices after they were called to a domestic dispute in Te Awamutu shortly after 6pm yesterday.

A woman had fled the Rewi St property to a neighbouring address after she was allegedly threatened by her partner, who she said was armed with a pistol.

Two children were thought to be at the property, but they were later found to be safely with a relative.

Police set up cordons and asked KiwiRail to shut off rail traffic on the main trunk line while they raided the address.

Western Waikato police Area Commander Inspector Paul Carpenter said armed offenders squad members used tear gas and distraction devices to gain access to the house.

"The male occupant was not located at the property and we believe he had fled the scene shortly after the incident began," he said.

Police were seeking Toki Ranier Takerei, 26, who they said was armed and should not be approached.

Police said anyone who saw Takerei should call 111, while anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Sergeant Chris Greenwood on 07 858 6200 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.